[QUOTE]Originally posted by drew2002
[B]
There's a theory in cognitive psychology that says that people tend to "pigeon-hole" things because people are cognitively lazy.

 

A number of people have suggested that the S2000 should have been badged as an Acura. Personally, I don't think it would make any difference, it certainly hasn't
affected NSX sales. In fact, JDM "H" badges are one of the most popular modifications on the NSX boards. As the proud owner of both of these fine sportscars, I go out of my way to point out the "humble" japanese pedigree to others. I think that people who end up buying Honda sportscars are more interested in performance and value than status.

 

Honda knows their name doesn't invoke much tradition and heritage outside of Japan. Thats why H was the first Japanese company to introduce an upscale brand (Acura) in the US. I'm willing to bet there's a percentage of people who still don't realize the NSX is made by Honda.

 

nsxtoo

 

Great read Vincent!!! It's great to hear other peoples stories and how they feel about their cars. Screw what other people think of your car because it's a Honda. Fact is that it is an awesome car especially for the money. Gadgets and gizmos, who needs them. It's a roadster. It should be loud and uncomfortable ( though it's not really uncomfortable). To hell with status!!! Enjoy your ride!!!!

 

Those who know automobiles, know what it is.
Those who have driven one, know what it is.
Those who know Bikes, know what it is.
Those who know racing, know what it is.

Those who dismiss it because it is "only a Honda", don't have a clue.....
.....so why do you care what they think?

Being bothered by it says more about YOU than it does about them.

Every automotive magazine in the world pretty much agree that it is a landmark car. A purist sportscar, almost to a fault. They were all stunned that generally conservative Honda (when it comes to consumer products other than Bikes) produced it. One of the closest cars to a 4 cylinder Formula car you can buy. Honda as a company has won more types of racing in it's over 50 year heritage than any other company. Hell over 100 wins at the Isle Of Mann alone. Honda produces more engines than any other company in the world. The F20 engine in the S2000 is considered the best 4 cylinder Naturally aspirated engine in the world (Wards Automotive). That is afterall why they are called "The Honda MOTOR Company".

So be secure in the fact that YOU know what you have and those "In The Know" know what you have.

Screw what the uninformed think.

 

Good write-up, Vincent. I agree with everything you said except for the plastic rear window. The plastic rear windows is not a pain in the ass but it is a pain in the ass to clean (at least the inside). It's quite a workout to do a good job. My rear window was still crystal clear after 2.5 years of ownership. Would I turn down a glass rear window? No way!

I've also encountered a fair share of people who don't understand or know the S2000 and just think it's another economical Honda. I've explained the car until I was blue in the face. Was I successful at educating those people? Who knows and after getting tired of trying to educate people, who cares.

Regardless of Honda's awesome racing heritage and their reputation as being one of the premier engine builders in the world, as long as there are sub $20K Civics on the road, the S2000 will always just be viewed as "just another Honda" by the uneducated masses.

DarioManfretti asked if the S2000 would be viewed differently if it wore an "A" (for "Acura") emblem on its hood. I think it would be (by those uneducated people only). It still wouldn't be viewed as an equal to Porsches, BMWs, and Mercedes by the snobs of the world (admit that there are still snobs who turn their noses up at the NSX). However, being sold under the Acura name would probably make a huge improvement on the side of customer service and service maintenance quality. Acura has always been labelled as Honda's "performance and luxury" division so I feel the S2000 should be an Acura. I know, the S2000 was introduced to commemorate Honda's 50th anniversary and the Acura name only exists in the US. However, it's the US that probably has the largest population of people who are ignorant to great cars.

I bought my S2000 to impress myself, not other people. Being an engineer, now doing marketing, I bought the car for its engineering marvels. Being a person who loves a good bargain, I bought the car for its performance at a fraction of the cost of a Boxster S. Being a car nut, I bought the car because I wanted a purpose-built, bare-bones, hard-edged, raw, pure sports car. I got everything I wanted with the S2000.

 

I hear "It's only a Honda" an awful lot. Mostly I hear it from people who are trying to get my goat. I also usually hear how a Porsche Boxster is a much better car. I usually hear both comments from people who don't own sportscars, don't understand sportscars and have no clue.

I have found that the best thing to do is to shrug your shoulders, agree with them and just walk away.

You can't win the argument and even if you could, what would be the point.

Generally I have found that people that do own and understand sportscars tend to admire them regardless of brand.

By the way, I enjoyed reading your write-up and the comments that have followed.

 

Dario

How have you been? Haven't seen any posts from you in a few weeks.

Badging the S as an Acura is an interesting thought. I'm not sure that it matters though. I supposed it would still live in the shadow of the Boxster to those who are only impressed by brand names.

It is real hard to know which cars will stand out in the history of automobiles. Like you I too think the S will, but time will tell. I am sure that those of us who own it. and especially those of us in their twenties and thirtys. will look back on it with fond memories many years from now. I think this is very much like the warm spot in our hearts that many of us still have for the MGs & etc that we owned years ago. This, I think, is one of the true measures of a great car.

 

Very well stated! I am 56 years old and have had a number of great vehicles but feel that the S 2000 is special. It is the most agile and responsive vehicle I have ever owned, also the sexiest. Many of my neighbors make me feel uncomfortable when they praise the beauty of my ride. I love other exotic vehicles but unfortunately can't afford them. I am happy that I found the S 2000 to satisfy my desire for a fast, reliable and classy road rocket.